Olympic champion Chioma Ajunwa advices female athletes on pitfalls of drug abuse

Olympic champion Chioma Ajunwa advices female athletes on pitfalls of drug abuse

Hassan Abdulsalam 15:48 - 21.10.2023

The first Nigerian to win the Gold medal at the Olympics Chioma Ajunwa has advised young Nigerian Female athletes on the pitfalls of drugs.

During the International Day of the Girl Child tournament, which was hosted by the Sapphire Nigeria Women Football Supporters Club, the former football player and track and field athlete addressed a group of young female football players.

Nigeria’s Divine Oduduru gets six-year ban

Recall that Nigeria's Divine Oduduru, received a six-year suspension for doping-related offenses.

Divine Oduduru

Oduduru received a six-year suspension for two anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs), according to a news release released by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Thursday.

Possession of prohibited substances and attempting to use a prohibited substance or method are among the offenses. Oduduru has also been sentenced to pay World Athletics a US$3000 fine (more than N3m) to cover case-related costs.

The prohibition is in effect retroactively from February 9, 2023, the date Oduduru's temporary suspension began, and it lasts until February 8, 2029.

Ajunwa emphasies on how to prevent testing postive

Ajunwa underlined the significance of taking proactive steps to avoid positive drug tests among athletes.

Chioma Ajunwa

She emphasized the necessity of awareness campaigns and seminars while also emphasizing the athletes' duty to treat these matters seriously.

She said, “The younger generation can’t claim ignorance about these matters, so it’s puzzling why athletes are still testing positive for drugs. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria should consistently educate athletes to ensure these lessons stick.”

She encouraged athletes to focus on the right training, which includes physical conditioning, speed, stamina, and building a strong physique.

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